JD Journal » akin gump

Akin Gump Faced with Libel Lawsuit

jim — Sat, 28 Jan 2012 03:47:41 +0000

On Tuesday, an attorney from the state of California alleged that Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP along with one of its partners from the securities practice had defamed him. The attorney from California says that the people involved called him the attorney a crook and a liar and has asked a court in Los Angeles to reward him with $100 million in damages because of the libel.

The plaintiff in the case is John Kirkland. Kirkland said that Douglas A. Rappaport, a partner at Akin Gump, sent a letter to an uninvolved third party that claimed he lied, that he also broke the California Rules of Professional Conduct and fiduciary duties, committed an unmentioned crime and committed legal malpractice.

The complaint is five pages long and was filed in Los Angeles Superior Court. The complaint does not discuss or even mention details about the letter that was sent. No comments or statement were issued by any of the attorneys for Kirkland this week.

“Defendants made the statements with malice and ill will,” the complaint said. “Defendant’s purpose in writing the letter was to disrupt Mr. Kirkland’s attorney-client relationship, and to blackmail Mr. Kirkland and his clients into acceding to illegal demands of defendants’ secret clients.”

The letter was allegedly sent by Akin Gump and Rappaport to a third party by the name of James Worsham. The relationship between Worsham, Akin Gump, and Rappaport is not outlined in the complaint. The complaint said that “he was under strong pressure to communicate defendants’ statements to additional people, and he did so.”

According to the complaint, the letter damaged the reputation of Kirkland while also causing him mortification and shame. Kirkland, through the complaint, also said that the defendants had acted with using fraud, ill-will and oppression. Kirkland believes these are justification for damages to be awarded by the court.

Kirkland is looking for a large sum of money from this lawsuit along with a jury trial. Kirkland is seeking presumed damaged totaling close to $10 million; actual damages totaling close to $10 million; and punitive and exemplary damages totaling close to $100 million. Kirkland is also looking for money to cover attorney fees, expenses and other costs.

Mark A. Vega and Mona Mahdara Alcala from the Libertas Law Group are the representatives for Kirkland. The title of the case is John Kirkland v. Douglas A. Rappaport et al. The lawsuit was filed in the Superior Court of the State of California in the County of Los Angeles. The lawsuit is for $100 million and is for libel as alleged by Kirkland in the five-page complaint filed in court.

Barnes & Thornburg Opening in LA with Laterals from Akin Gump

joshua — Tue, 01 Mar 2011 00:08:51 +0000

With shiny new digs on Santa Monica Blvd, Barnes & Thornburg has moved into California with a Los Angeles office staffed by lateral partners from Akin Gump. Five partners have made the move already, while David Allen, the former managing partner of Akin Gump’s LA office, is expected to make the jump following to conclusion of a pending client matter.

The five partners who have already arrived in the new office are Stephen Mick, Kevin Rising, Jason Karlov, Kyle Kirwan and Scott Witlin.

Morning Roundup

joshua — Wed, 29 Sep 2010 13:06:45 +0000

Good morning everyone! Today is Wednesday, September 29th. Here’s a quick recap of yesterday’s stories.

Orrick and Akin Gump began merger talks…

Greenberg Traurig added two attorneys to its Corporate and Securities practice…

The Florida Supreme Court declined U.S. Rep Alan Grayson’s request to halt the foreclosures being handled by three South Florida law firms under investigation…

Orrick and Akin Gump in Merger Talks

ashley — Wed, 29 Sep 2010 02:42:07 +0000

Mergers between large law firms are becoming more and more common lately. Following the trend, firms Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe, LLP and Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld, LLP are in talks of a merger which have been called by representatives on both sides “preliminary.”

Founded in 1863 in San Francisco, Orrick has striven to build relationships with its clients and develop a solid basis for its firm. Orrick is now a worldwide law firm with 22 different offices and over 1,100 lawyers.

Akin Gump has been around since 1945. The firm is one of the world’s largest and has also spanned the globe with 14 offices and more than 800 lawyers. Akin Gump has offices across the United States, Switzerland, England, Russia, China, and The United Arab Emirates.

This is not the first merger talk that Orrick has been a part of, though a merger of Orrick and Akin Gump would create a global firm that would be comprised of over 1,740 attorneys.

Morning Roundup

joshua — Fri, 10 Sep 2010 13:02:41 +0000

Good morning everybody! Today is Friday, September 10th. Here’s a quick look back at yesterday’s stories.

Chambers USA recognized Monteleone & McCrory in the area of construction law in California…

Highly-regarded commercial trial and appellate attorney Thomas Gilbertsen joined Venable LLP…

Former Ambassador J. Thomas Schieffer joined Akin Gump…

Former Ambassador J. Thomas Schieffer Joins Akin Gump

joshua — Thu, 09 Sep 2010 12:50:11 +0000

Former U.S. ambassador to both Australia and Japan J. Thomas Schieffer has joined Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP as senior counsel.

Amb. Schieffer will advise clients in the global energy, trade, transportation, defense and intelligence industries.

In the press release at PR Newswire, James C. Langdon Jr., senior executive partner at Akin Gump, was quoted as saying: “Tom Schieffer has long been well-respected – both in the U.S. and abroad – for his political acumen and business expertise. A diplomat with significant foreign policy experience in the Pacific Rim as well as a highly accomplished lawyer and businessman in his native Texas, he will be a tremendous asset to our clients, whether they are doing business domestically or internationally.”

Elected at age 25, Amb. Schieffer served three terms in the Texas Legislature before returning to law school at the University of Texas. In 1979 he began a legal and business career focusing on oil and gas and investment matters.

An early investor with George W. Bush and Edward W. (Rusty) Rose in the group that bought the Texas Rangers Baseball Club in 1989, Amb. Schieffer was named partner-in-charge of ballpark development in 1990, and in that capacity he negotiated a public-private partnership with the city of Arlington, Texas. In 1991, he was appointed president of the Texas Rangers Baseball Club. He served in that role until 1999, when he returned to practicing law and managing investments and oil and gas properties.

In 2001, President George W. Bush appointed Schieffer as U.S. ambassador to Australia. Confirmed unanimously by the U.S. Senate, he served for four years, during which time the United States negotiated a free-trade agreement with Australia and deepened the intelligence ties between the two countries. In 2005, he was appointed by President Bush, and again unanimously confirmed, as U.S. ambassador to Japan. During his four-year tenure, Amb. Schieffer was a principal negotiator on the 2006 Force Transformation Agreement, the most substantive revision of the security agreement between the United States and Japan since 1960, and was actively involved in the Six Party Talks, which centered on North Korea’s attempts to become a nuclear power.

Amb. Schieffer has been recognized consistently at home and abroad for his leadership and organizational skills, particularly in the area of intelligence. He received the Order of Australia, which is the highest award that can be presented to a foreigner by the Australian government , for his work in strengthening the Australian-American Alliance, and the Distinguished Public Service Award – the Pentagon’s highest civilian recognition – for his work in strengthening the U.S.-Japan Alliance. In addition, he has received awards from the CIA, the FBI, the Defense Intelligence Agency, the National Security Agency and the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency.

Founded in 1945, Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP has grown to be one of the world’s largest law firms, with more than 800 lawyers in 14 offices. A frequent recipient of industry recognition for its strength in litigation and high-stakes appellate work, its leadership in groundbreaking transactions and its depth in public policy, Akin Gump provides a comprehensive suite of services for global companies and local individuals.

Morning Roundup

joshua — Thu, 08 Jul 2010 11:32:39 +0000

Good morning everyone! Today is Thursday, July 8th. Here’s a quick look back at yesterday’s stories.

Cadwalader named a new co-chair of its Litigation Department…

Former U.S. Sen. John E. Sununu, R-N.H., joined Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP…

The World Economic Forum named Greenberg Traurig’s James Bacchus to its Global Agenda Council on Trade…

McKool Smith added three attorneys to its Bankruptcy Practice…

Chadbourne & Parke announced it would open an office in Sao Paolo, Brazil…

Dykema Gossett PLLC hired marketing expert…

Head of Simpson Thacher & Bartlett’s global M&A team,will leave to become chief legal officer of The Blackstone Group…

Donovan & Yee LLP added two partners…

Former U.S. Senator John Sununu Joins Akin Gump

joshua — Wed, 07 Jul 2010 20:05:00 +0000

Former U.S. Sen. John E. Sununu, R-N.H., has joined Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP in Washington, D.C., as an adjunct senior policy advisor. In his new role, Sununu will advise clients on a wide range of public policy, strategic, and regulatory issues.

Sununu, a Republican, served three terms in the U.S. House of Representatives beginning in 1996 and subsequently served as a U.S. Senator for New Hampshire for six years. He lost his re-election bid for the Senate to former governor Jeanne Shaheen in November 2008.

As a senator, Sununu was a member of the Finance, Commerce, Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs, Banking and Foreign Relations committees. He was vice chairman of the Budget Committee and a member of the Congressional Oversight Panel for the $700 billion Troubled Asset Relief Program from 2008 to 2009.

Before entering public service, Sununu worked for emerging high-tech firms as an engineer, a strategy consultant and a chief financial officer.

Smith W. Davis, co-leader of Akin Gump’s policy practice, commented on the addition in a press release.

“John’s wealth of insight into the legislative process – honed over the course of a decade in Congress – combined with his private-sector experience in the technology sector will serve our clients well,” Davis said.

Akin Gump was founded in 1945 and has more than 800 lawyers in the United States, Europe, Asia and Middle East.

Top Aide to House Speaker Pelosi Joins Akin Gump

joshua — Tue, 20 Apr 2010 16:03:27 +0000

Arshi Siddiquim, senior policy advisor and counsel to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, is joining Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld as a partner in the firm’s policy practice in Washington.

Siddiquim joined Pelosi’s leadership staff in 2003 and in that role she provided counsel on numerous legislative initiatives, including the historic comprehensive health insurance reform legislation and the economic recovery package.

Prior to joining the Pelosi office, Siddiqui served in private practice in Washington, representing corporate clients before Congress and the executive branch. Siddiqui commented on the move in a press release.

“Public service has given me an unparalleled opportunity to work on a wide range of challenging issues with extremely talented leaders on both sides of the aisle and the private sector,” Siddiqui said. “I look forward to joining Akin Gump and to working with colleagues I have long admired and respected.”

Founded in 1977, Akin Gump’s bipartisan policy practice numbers more than 50 lawyers and professionals. The group’s clients include corporations, government entities, Native American tribes, nonprofit organizations, coalitions and trade associations, and individuals.

Morning Roundup

joshua — Thu, 08 Apr 2010 15:36:08 +0000

Good morning everyone! Today is Thursday, April 8, and here’s a look back at yesterday’s news…

Altman Weil is predicting an increase in law firm mergers as the economy gets back on its feet…

BestAttorneysOnline has compiled its list of top criminal defense attorneys…

Former Justice Sandra Day O’Connor adds her two cents to the dustup between the President and the Court at the State of the Union…

and Akin Gump is opening an office in Switzerland…

Akin Gump Expands Into Switzerland

joshua — Wed, 07 Apr 2010 16:36:24 +0000

Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld announced it is opening an office in Geneva, Switzerland on May 1 with a team of lawyers formerly of Hogan & Hartson.

Among that group is Charles C. Adams Jr., who will head the new office. He will be joined in Geneva by partners Jonathan Ivinson and Michael J. Stepek as well as four other lawyers.

R. Bruce McLean, chairman of Akin Gump, said in a press release that “market conditions and client demand have created significant opportunities for our international arbitration and tax practices in Europe.”

The firm said the office has extensive experience in the prosecution and defense of major claims brought in international arbitrations, international civil litigation before various national and international courts and institutions, corporate and commercial law, and tax optimization for multinational corporations and high net-worth individuals.

Adams has more than 35 years experience in international law to the position. His practice focuses on complex, high-value international disputes involving major infrastructure construction projects, joint ventures, insurance coverage, manufacturing, telecommunications and transportation.

Akin Gum was founded in 1945 and has more than 800 lawyers in the United States, Europe, Asia and the Middle East.

Morning Roundup

sara — Wed, 07 Apr 2010 12:54:25 +0000

Good morning everyone! Today is Wednesday, April 7, and here’s a look back at yesterday’s news…

Quarles & Brady snag three attorneys from Holland & Knight and three from DLA Piper…

The U.S. Court of Appeals rules against the Federal Communications Commission in a net neutrality case involving Comcast..

Kelley Drye responds to an age discrimination suit filed against them by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission…

Former Federal Trade Commissioner Pamela Jones Harbour will join Fulbright & Jaworski…

Akin Gump tops the National Law Journals “influence 50″ rankings of the highest grossing Washington, D.C. lobbying practices…

Lawyers find delayed mercy in the Qualcomm discovery scandal ruling…

Latham & Watkins establishes a presence in Saudi Arabia…

Merchant & Gould opens a New York office and announces the addition of new partners…

Nevada Attorney General Catherine Cortez Masto has refused to join a suit against the Health Care Reform bill…

Akin Gump Led the Way in Lobbying Revenue in ’09

joshua — Tue, 06 Apr 2010 17:29:40 +0000

Led by Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld, law firms filled eight of the top 10 spots in the National Law Journal’s “Influence 50” ranking of the top-grossing Washington D.C. lobbying practices.

The 50 highest-grossing lobbying practices took in more than $1.1 billion in fees in 2009, according to the study. Overall revenue for the firms on the list was up 5.5 percent, which followed an increase of just 2.3 percent in 2008. No fewer than 33 of the firms on the list posted an increase in gross revenue in 2009.

“Clearly, this was a great year to be a Democratic lobbying firm,” said David Brown, editor in chief of The National Law Journal. “In the decade that we’ve been producing this survey, I can’t recall a time when so many firms saw such significant increases in revenue over the prior year. There’s no recession on K Street.”

Law firms took in about 66 percent of all lobbying revenue, which is about the same percentage as 2008. A major catalyst for the increase in lobbying revenue was the overhaul of the nation’s health care system. Big winners included the Podesta Group, which publicly reported $8.2 million in fees from clients lobbying on health issues in 2009; Alston & Bird with $3.9 million; Holland & Knight with $4.2 million; and Capitol Tax Partners with $3.6 million.

The top ten firms on the “Influence 50” were:

1.		Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld
2.		Patton Boggs
3.		Hogan & Hartson
4.		Covington & Burling
5.		K&L Gates
6.		Holland & Knight
7.		DLA Piper
8.		Sonnenschein Nath & Rosenthal
9.		Podesta Group
10.		Dutko Worldwide and Van Scoyoc Associates (tie)

Morning Roundup

joshua — Mon, 29 Mar 2010 12:18:25 +0000

Good morning everyone! Today is Monday, March 29, and here’s a look back at Friday’s news to start off the new week.

Jones Walker has opened a new office, in an unusual place…

A Minnesota law firm has uncovered documents linking the Pope to the sexual abuse scandals rocking the church…

Akin Gump acquired a liberal lobbying firm…

A telemarketing company has been found in violation of the Do Not Call Registry and banned from making any more calls…

DLA Piper has established a presence in Turkey…

Weil Gotshal led the legal world in Mergers and Acquisitions for the first quarter of this year…

Greenberg Traurig picked up 3 lawyers from Kirkland & Ellis in London…

A Pennsylvania court has refused to grant a divorce to a gay couple married in Massachusetts…

and President Obama announced another US Attorney nominee…

Akin Gump Acquires Boutique Lobbying Firm

joshua — Fri, 26 Mar 2010 18:15:55 +0000

Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld has acquired Democratic boutique lobbying firm Parven Pomper Strategies, the firm said in a press release. PPS founders Scott Parven and Brian Pomper will join the firm as partners. Akin Gump also announced Al From, founder and longtime leader of the Democratic Leadership Council, will become a senior advisor at the firm.

Smith W. Davis, co-leader of Akin Gump’s policy practice, said the new team brings an “excellent track record of providing business clients with first-rate strategic advice and advocacy in the policy arena.”

Prior to founding PPS, Parven served as vice president and counsel at Aetna, where he oversaw international public policy. He is also a former vice president of public policy at AOL Time Warner and chair of the international policy group at Mayer Brown.

Pomper served as chief international trade counsel for Chairman Max Baucus (D-Mont) on the Senate Finance Committee prior to founding PPS. He also served as an attorney at Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom before entering government service.

The remainder of the PPS team joining Akin Gump are Alixandria Lapp, former chief of staff to Rep. Adam Smith (D-WA); Francine Friedman Grabowski as senior policy counsel; Roger Murry, former legislative assistant to former Rep. Ellen Tauscher (D-CA) as policy analyst; and Sarah Crnkovich as policy analyst.
Akin Gump’s bipartisan policy practice was founded in 1977 and has more than 50 lawyers and professionals.

Morning Roundup

joshua — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 13:31:16 +0000

Good morning everyone! Today is Thursday, February 4, and here’s a quick look back at yesterday’s headlines.

Woodcock Washburn has a new litigation chair…

Adams & Reese is expanding in Florida with an office in Tampa…

Sidley Austin has received an award for its work in life sciences law…

Thompson Hines promoted 10 law clerks to associates…

Foley & Lardner picked up a former managing partner from Nixon Peabody…

Jones Day added four lateral partners and promoted four more partners in California…

Greenberg Traurig opened a San Francisco office…

Akin Gump picked up threefrom Woodcock Washburn…

UMass is moving forward with plans for the state’s first public law school…

Cravath is holding a deferral lottery – first prize is the chance to start working…

Just when you thought it was safe to go back in the water – Layoffs at Howrey…

and Dorsey & Whitney report 2009 decline in revenues and profits…

Latham & Watkins Bounce Back In 2010; Open Houston Office

todd — Mon, 11 Jan 2010 23:18:09 +0000

After major layoffs in 2009, Latham and Watkins are reportedly expanding their operation to Houston. Bloomberg is reporting that lawyers recruited from Akin Gump and Baker Botts will head Latham’s new Houston outfit.

Coming from Akin Gump is Michael Dillard, who headed Akin’s energy and global transactions practice, and Sean Wheeler, who focused on representing investors and banks in energy-related equity and debt offerings.

The firm’s 2009 financial troubles took them from Vault’s 7^th most prestigious law firm in 2009 to the 17^th most prestigious law firm in 2010.

Latham and Watkins LLP is one of the largest law firms in the world, with a staff of around 2,000 attorneys, it has offices in the United States, Europe, the Middle East and Asia. While they were founded in Los Angeles in 1934, their largest office is currently located in New York City.

Daily Roundup

joshua — Tue, 29 Dec 2009 19:13:28 +0000

As we get closer and closer to New Years Eve, I want to remind everyone to be be careful and to have a fantastic and safe holiday. We want every single one of our readers back next year!

Here’s a look at yesterday’s news…

Ron Parraguirre is Nevada’s new chief justice…

A branch of Al Qaeda has claimed responsibility for the attempted Christmas bombing…

Recruitment firm Sivin-Tobin has lost its appeal in its suit against Akin Gump…

Congress continues to be unsympathetic to the ABA’s appeal for debt relief for law students….

In house counsel at Fortune 500 companies have named Ulmer & Berne the “go to firm”…

And Mayer Brown announced bonuses, with no new surprises….

Sivin-Tobin Loses Bid to Win Fee From Akin Group

Aine Ford — Mon, 28 Dec 2009 20:43:25 +0000

Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld has won an appeal in a dispute with recruiting firm, Sivin-Tobin Associates, who claimed they were owed a placement fee for a lawyer the firm hired in 2006. In an unsigned decision, the Appellate Division, 1^st Department upheld a lower court’s dismissal last year of the suit brought by Sivin-Tobin Associates.

Sivin-Tobin sued Akin Gump in 2006 for breach of contract after a different recruiter received a $227,500 fee for placing Chang-Joo Kim. Sivin-Tobin claimed that it had an implied contract with the law firm, but Akin Gump said that it’s decision to hire Kim was based on a referral from another recruiter.

The appeals court said that there was not enough evidence to establish and implied contract. The court also said that an implied contract could not be inferred, as the law firm never hired any of the 10 candidates the recruiter had referred to the firm over the past decade.

Salary Thaw at Akin Gump

joshua — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 21:57:20 +0000

Akin Gump has lifted its salary freeze and is planning to pay out bonuses, according to a memo sent out by firm chairman, Bruce McLean. Of course, that’s based on Akin Gump’s compensation system which isn’t strictly a base salary. To earn market level salaries, associates must meet quarterly billed hour quotas. That said, even the base salary isn’t bad, compared to some of the salary cuts we’ve been seeing lately.

If anyone has information on the Akin Gump bonuses, we’re anxious to hear it. You can send us an anonymous tip here.

Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP was founded in Dallas in 1945 by Robert Strauss and Richard Gump. The firm now numbers more than 900 attorneys and advisers in the United States, Europe, Asia and the Middle East.

Jones Day Brings on Partners

Erik Even — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 17:43:25 +0000

Jones Day, which last month brought on seven bankruptcy lawyers from Kirkland & Ellis, has hired two laterals.

Partner Ronald Johnson joins from Akin Gump. He represents railroads in litigation and regulatory matters.

Lily Claffee joins as a partner from the Commerce Department, where she was general counsel. She will work in Jones Day’s government regulation practice.

Jones Day is an international law firm headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio. It was founded in 1893 by Judge Edwin J. Blandin and William Lowe Rice. Jones Day is the 8th largest law firm in the world by revenue. It is currently the second largest law firm in the United States, with approximately 2,400 lawyers and gross annual revenue in excess of US$1.5 billion.
Share

Akin Gump Brings On Litigation Partners

Erik Even — Tue, 26 May 2009 17:46:53 +0000

Akin Gump has announced the hiring of partners Nicholas Porritt and William White for its litigation practice in Washington DC.

Porritt comes to Akin Gump from Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati. He handles SEC and commercial litigation matters.

White spent the last 10 years at WilmerHale. Before that, he was with the Enforcement Division of the SEC.

In March, Akin Gump laid off 47 associates and 57 paralegals & staff.

Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP was founded in Dallas in 1945 by Robert Strauss and Richard Gump. The firm now numbers more than 900 attorneys and advisors in the United States, Europe, Asia and the Middle East.

UBS Loses Two Top In-House Counsel

Erik Even — Tue, 19 May 2009 19:12:49 +0000

Two top lawyers at Switzerland’s UBS have left the firm.

Ash Gulati, executive director of UBS’s UK-based prime brokerage & equity derivatives legal team, will join the London office of Akin Gump as senior counsel.

Matthew French, head of UBS’s distressed investment team, will leave after less than a year, to join the Nomura Group. He will work in mergers & acquisitions.

The moves leave 70 lawyers at UBS’s City of London legal team.

UBS AG is a diversified global financial services company, with its main headquarters in Basel and Zürich, Switzerland. It is the world’s largest manager of private wealth assets.

Akin Gump to Lawyers: Bonuses If You’re Good, Penalties If You’re Naughty

Erik Even — Sat, 04 Apr 2009 17:32:15 +0000

Dallas’ Akin Gump is altering its salary plan to reward lawyers who are on track to bill 2,000 hours by the end of the year.

Those lawyers receive a supplemental payment. Those who do not will not be penalized.

The firm made the announcement via e-mail Friday evening.

In early March, the firm laid off 47 associates and 57 paralegals & staff.

Update: Akin Gump Cuts 47 Associates, 57 Staff

Erik Even — Sat, 07 Mar 2009 00:03:52 +0000

Once again, the rumors are true.

Akin Gump is laying off 47 associates and 57 paralegals and staff.

The firm will be offering “comprehensive severance packages,” including outplacement services.

In January, Akin Gump laid off 65 staff members in its US offices.

Rumor: Layoffs Today at Akin Gump

Erik Even — Fri, 06 Mar 2009 21:57:21 +0000

Today is a busy day for legal industry layoff rumors.

Blawgs are now reporting that Akin Gump is either laying off lawyers today, or has chosen lawyers it will lay off next week.

The firm laid off 65 staff in January, and said at that time it did not expect any attorney cuts.

If you know anything about these cuts, please send us a confidential tip!